Adding roasted cherry tomatoes to this super cheesy pasta cuts right through the richness and adds a tart, sweet, flavor that marries together perfectly!
Recipe Video Here!
We are running out of interesting ways to use our cherry tomatoes TBH so the rest will probably be dried and stored for recipes this winter but I couldn't resist trying the roasted cherry tomato trend on a cheesy pasta. It just felt right, you know?N
I'm not a fan of roux based cheese pasta, I always find it tastes bland no matter how much seasoning you add in. I prefer to use the maximum amount of cheese and utilizing a bit of cream cheese to encourage the unctuousness that everyone is looking for in a mac and cheese type dish. For the love of all that is good, do not use pre-shredded cheese. Why pay more for a subpar cheese product? Grab yourself a brick of cheddar and shred it yourself, it's WORTH the work, trust.
Recipe serves 2 in 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- About 12 cherry tomatoes, more if you really like tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
- Salt & pepper
For the pasta:
- 1/2 pound casarecce (or any pasta you like)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3.5 oz extra sharp cheddar, shredded
- 3.5 oz white cheddar, shredded
- 2 T butter
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- Dollop of brown mustard (probably 1 teaspoon?)
- Parmigiano reggiano
- Sprig of basil
Directions:
1. Coat tomatoes in EVOO, salt and pepper
2. Roast tomatoes at 450F until bursting and browning, about 20 minutes
3. While tomatoes are roasting, boil pasta in salty water until al dente
4. Strain pasta, add back to pot, and add half and half, cream cheese, shredded cheeses, mustard, spices; stir until melted and creamy
5. Top with roasted tomatoes, fresh parmesan, and sprig of basil
The balance of flavors in this dish are exceptional in my opinion. I love how the roasted tomatoes burst when you bite in and give that tart, tangy, bite in contrast to the super cheesy pasta.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Follow me on social media @LizaHomesteads for more recipes and tag me or DM me pics/video if you try any of them! I want to know how they worked out for you!
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